STEAMkitchen is a two-year ERASMUS+ KA220-HED - Cooperation partnerships in higher education project (2024–2026) aimed at transforming higher education practices by equipping teacher educators and preservice teachers with concrete tools to integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) principles into home economics education, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The project fosters gender-sensitive approaches to STEAM education, encouraging girls’ engagement in scientific and technological fields while broadening boys' perspectives on the application of STEAM knowledge in everyday life.

Key outcomes include the development of guidelines (WP2), a pedagogical handbook (WP3), and a higher education e-course (WP4) where STEAM and Home Economics principles are combined. These resources support interdisciplinary teaching and enhance the capacity of future and current educators to incorporate sustainability-related content into their classrooms. The project employs an international strategic co-design process involving higher education institutions (4 partner universities). In addition, preservice teachers and in-service educators are involved to pilot, analyze, and validate innovative pedagogical approaches. Collaboration across disciplines and institutions is central to the project. Partner universities contribute expertise in home economics, STEAM disciplines, and digital education, ensuring a comprehensive approach. Digital tools play a crucial role in facilitating cooperation, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing accessibility.

Currently, the project is in the advanced implementation phase. During the presentation, an overview is provided on the initial implementation and the completion of one work package (WP2). The other two work packages (WP3 and WP4) are progressing towards completion. To measure progress and strengthen collaboration and engagement between the project partners, a self-assessment questionnaire is conducted every six months (three times so far), enabling the lead partner to monitor participants' perceptions of the project’s advancement and their contributions.

STEAMkitchen strengthens professional development at all levels by integrating subject pedagogy, educational technology, and adult education. To ensure impact, validation activities such as focus groups and pilot studies are conducted alongside dissemination efforts through training sessions, social media engagement, and digital platforms.

Keywords: Home economics, STEAM education, international project.